Conservation Areas in the Lakehead region are visited by thousands of people each year for their recreation and education opportunities. Many people feel better knowing that there are spectacular scenic and natural treasures being managed for the benefit of the watershed.

However, for all the value that people receive from conservation lands, most people are not contributing toward their on-going operation.

No provincial or municipal tax dollars are received for operational expenses. In fact, Lakehead Conservation pays approximately $115,000 each year to cover insurance, taxes and maintenance on its 2500 hectares of conservation lands. (Note: Capital projects, such as the new Cascades facilities, are not included in this amount).

One way that visitors do pay is by depositing a $2 per vehicle entrance fee into the green coin boxes at our areas. For only two dollars a whole carload of family and friends can enjoy hiking, scenery, fishing, water access, picnics and more.

Less than 5% of our Conservation Area costs are paid for by the people who pay a fee when they use the areas. If all visitors paid their fee, we would collect over half of our expenses. Should revenues continue to be flat some facilities or areas may not be open.

Any outstanding amounts must be covered by revenues from rentals of picnic shelters, the Hazelwood Lake Centre, lease agreements Adopt-An-Acre program and other sources. Ideally, these monies should be put towards improving the sites or set aside for future acquisitions.

We continue to appeal to our visitors to deposit their fee and donate to the Adopt-an-Acre program. Donations to this program go directly to cover Conservation Area operating costs.

Your suggestions as to how we can increase revenues from conservation lands and area users is requested. Please call, fax, e-mail or write to us. Together we can conserve our lands for future generations.

Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
P.O. Box 10427; 130 Conservation Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 6T8 (Canada)
Telephone:(807) 344-5857  Fax:(807) 345-9156